Police leaders have announced that all forces must now record instances where officers die by their own hands, following the death of a decorated sergeant.

Benjamin Websdale was found dead by his former partner two days after being informed that Sussex Police had forwarded a misconduct investigation to the Independent Office for Police Conduct in January the previous year.

The 50-year-old was suffering from untreated work-related mental health issues when colleagues from his own force detained him at his place of work.

His wife said he was never given the support he needed by Sussex Police and that his arrest was unwarranted.

The inquest heard that Sgt Websdale was never able to overcome the death of a young man who took his own life after being released from custody. He was also detained after messaging a vulnerable young woman, known as Miss A, who he thought was at risk of harming herself.

Miss A was found drunk and in the midst of a mental health emergency on the cliffs at Beachy Head shortly after being released by Sgt Websdale, who feared she would take her own life.

She told officers she had been in contact with Sgt Websdale via Facebook. The choice to arrest him was made within hours of reviewing his profile, before she could give a formal statement on October 23, 2024.

No proof of any interaction beyond their official duties was found.

His former wife Michelle Websdale discovered him dead at his home on January 16, 2025, two days after papers were delivered by the police watchdog.

Senior Coroner Penelope Schofield concluded his mental state deteriorated after his arrest and the subsequent inquiry.

After the inquest, she published a prevention of future deaths report calling on all police forces to log officer suicides and ensure staff receive training on suicide trauma.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council has stated there should now be a mandatory requirement for forces to record officer suicides.

Sussex Police Federation chair Raffaele Cioffi said the decision marked progress in the right direction. They expected to work alongside the chief constable to ensure accurate recording of any officer suicides happened quickly.

At Sussex Police Federation, they would continue supporting members through challenging times and would urge anyone to reach out if they or a colleague needed help.

The NPCC statement said condolences were offered to the family, friends and colleagues of Benjamin Websdale. Following the related prevention of future deaths report, the NPCC had responded to the coroner outlining actions already taken to address the two concerns raised.

While data reporting had been optional, agreement had now been secured from chief constables to introduce a compulsory, consistent reporting duty through the chief medical officer for policing.

The NPCC also said it was developing a national trauma support system, including monitoring, annual psychological assessments and mandatory training.

Officers and staff requiring support can contact the Mental Health Crisis Line on 0300 131 2789 and Samaritans on 116 123.